Press Releases

Two treasure finds from the medieval and post-medieval periods have today (27^th August 2021) been declared treasure by the Assistant Coroner for Swansea and Neath Port Talbot, Mr Aled Gruffydd.

The medieval coin association (dating to 1248-1265) and a post-medieval inscribed gold ‘fede’ ring (dating to the 16^th and 17^th centuries) were both discovered by metal detectorists.

Sixteen medieval silver coins dating to the reign of Henry III (Treasure 19.19) were discovered by Mr Gary May, while metal detecting in Sketty Community, Swansea on 23^rd/24^th February 2019. Alastair Willis, Senior Curator of Numismatics and the Welsh Economy, Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales comments:

“These silver coins had a total value of fourteen and a half pence and likely formed the contents of a purse, perhaps lost rather than hidden. The discovery reflects the increasingly widespread use of coins along the south coast of Wales during this period.”

Swansea Museum intend to acquire these coins.

A decorative gold ‘fede’ ring (Treasure 19.10) was found by Mr Gwyn Thomas, while metal-detecting in Reynoldston Community, Swansea on 17^th September 2018.  According to Sian Iles, Curator of Medieval and Later Archaeology, Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales, the ring style is 16^th to 17^th century:

“Fede rings were given as a symbol of love, friendship, or betrothal, often inscribed with affectionate mottoes. This rare example contributes greatly to our understanding of relationships and emotions of people in Tudor and Stuart Wales.”

Amgueddfa Cymru-National Museum Wales intends to acquire this ring for its collection, following its independent valuation via the Treasure Valuation Committee.

ENDS

For further information or images, please contact Lleucu Cooke, Communications Manager Lleucu.cooke@museumwales.ac.uk 

EDITOR’S NOTES

1. All images to be credited © Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales

2. The Portable Antiquities Scheme in Wales (PAS Cymru) is a mechanism to record and publish archaeological finds made by members of the public. It has proved a highly effective means of capturing vital archaeological information, while engaging with non-traditional museum audiences and communities.

3. Each year, between 20 and 45 treasure cases are reported in Wales, as finds made by members of the public, usually metal detectorists. Since 1997, over 550 treasure finds have been made in Wales, with numbers of treasure finds gradually increasing over time, with 45 treasure cases reported in 2019. These finds are adding important new knowledge and understanding of our pasts, a cultural resource of growing importance for Wales.

4. Treasure items must be legally reported and handed over to PAS Cymru staff and Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales, as the lead heritage organisation managing treasure work in Wales. National museum curators gather accurate information and report on treasure finds, making recommendations to coroners, the officers who make independent legal judgements on treasure and ownership.